Cork bar uses app technology to support workers with intellectual disabilities

Brian O’Leary AssistiV Ireland and Heineken Ireland sales manager James Hanigan with David Mullins at Geary’s Bar in Charleville, Co Cork. AssistIV uses smart technology to support employment roles for people with intellectual disabilities. Pictures: Gerard McCarthy

A Cork bar is using a smartphone app to help support employment roles for people with intellectual disabilities.

Geary's bar in Charleville is using the AssistiV Ireland screen-based technology to support 25-year-old David Mullins, who has an intellectual disability, to work in the bar. AssistiV's technology simplifies Mr Mullins' work by converting complex tasks into simple visual and audio cues through an app, removing barriers related to literacy, numeracy, and confidence.

At Geary's, Mr Mullins who is from Cregane, Charleville, Co. Limerick, works with his sports-loving colleagues, including Republic of Ireland women’s under-19 football captain Katie Lawlee, to take orders, wait tables, and serve customers.

Mr Mullins himself is a keen footballer, recently representing Munster at the Special Olympics Ireland Summer Games. St. Joseph’s Foundation in Charleville has supported him since 2023.

“My job has given me so much confidence and independence. I love sport, so working in Geary’s is brilliant because it’s such a big part of the bar. I really enjoy welcoming customers, talking about the matches and being part of the team here," he said.

AssistiV plans to scale up to support jobs nationwide and reach 1,000 users by 2030.

Ireland has one of the lowest rates of employment for people with disabilities (32.6%) in Europe, according to Inclusion Ireland, and the rate is 17% for people with intellectual disabilities. The AssistiV technology has been used successfully to fill vacancies in the pubs and bars sector and creating employment opportunities for more people with intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, and autism. Heineken Ireland has linked up with AssistiV as part of this drive.

David Mullins and Corina Gough, General Manager at Geary’s in Charleville.  

AssistIV is now supporting 23 roles for people with learning and intellectual disabilities in hospitality and 25 more in other sectors. Geary's general manager Corina Gough, said the bar is "delighted to support many young people through St Joseph’s Foundation to find work over the years". 

"When we took on David, we saw his potential and wanted to support his interest in bar work. We’ve seen him grow in confidence over the months and build great relationships with our customers. He comes into work with a pep in his step," said Ms Gough. 

“AssistiV’s technology has been instrumental in supporting David to work with greater independence. It has also transformed how we run our business. The learnings we’ve taken from setting up the system have enabled us to streamline training for all new staff and help them get up to speed much faster."

AssistiV Ireland account manager Brian O'Leary said: “AssistiV’s goal is to create a fairer and more inclusive employment landscape for everyone. We are immensely proud to support David in his role at Geary’s.

"We want to show employers that inclusive employment is achievable, practical, and hugely rewarding.”